Holidays you didn’t know you could have

With spring finally here, the longer days give extra time for new adventures, be they at home or away. Head out for a trip that hits you with an adrenaline high or simply go for the total relaxation option and recharge your batteries in the sunshine, sipping an endless cocktail! You may even be able to combine these for the best of both worlds - leaving you with a chillout experience and guaranteed memories.

If you’re looking for a little bit of adventure or something different on your holiday this year, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at some of the options out there, which might make you think twice about some familiar destinations.

Sunbathe on the beach in New York City

Whilst many consider shopping, sightseeing and dining as the top things to do whilst visiting the ‘Big Apple’, it’s often overlooked that there is nearly 23km of sandy coastline and some lovely beaches within the city limits. A trip to NYC doesn’t have to be all skyscrapers and bustle – the city is flanked by the great Hudson River and sits on one of the world’s largest natural harbours. So if you want to dodge a day in the buzzing city and swap it for some relaxation and downtime, then head to the amusements of Coney Island in Brooklyn or Rockaway Beach in Queens, which is the largest urban beach in the US and great for Atlantic surfing!

Catch snakes in India

If you want an experience to really remember and raise the fear factor a bit, then head to Chennai to catch snakes with the Irula tribesmen of southern India. Stay in the beautiful Hotel Vivanta by Taj-Fisherman’s Cove, a luxury resort set in tropical landscapes by the Bay of Bengal and situated on the site of an 18th century Dutch fort. Accompany the indigenous hunters as they catch snakes, collect the poison for medicinal use and then set them free unharmed. Take your camera to capture these amazing scenes and combine your visit with a trip to the nearby temple towns of Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram whilst enjoying this wonderful beach resort!

Visit the fey in Iceland

Hafnarfjörður, Iceland’s third city, a significant port and its ‘Rock and Roll Capital’, is famous for having one of the largest settlements of "Hidden Folk", referring to dwarves, elves and other mystical beings from days of yore. Old folklore suggests that whole families reside in the rocks that are part of the town's centre. Take the 90 minute Hidden World Tour where you tour the municipality to visit their home sites, and stop at places such as the beautiful Hellisgerdi Park and the base of the Hamarinn Cliffs, supposedly the site of the Palace of the Elf-King. Listen to the guides as they retell stories of hidden worlds and the town’s development with the Hidden Folk. Embrace the culture here for a truly magical trip!

Teach Buddhist monks English in Laos

If you want to combine exploration of local culture whilst also volunteering then this is a wonderful experience. Here you can bolster the knowledge and education of Buddhist monks in the beautiful ancient city of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates from the 7th century, located in north-central Laos. If being surrounded by Buddhist temples and monasteries whilst teaching in idyllic settings at the meeting point of the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers excites you, then this is the trip for you! In return, you’ll learn about Lao culture, history and food as well being able to visit some outstanding sites of natural beauty like the Kuang Si Falls and Pak Ou caves.

Walk a donkey in France

If you are looking for a family holiday with a difference and want to keep the kids happy at the same time, try exploring the beautiful Mercantour Alps in the south of France on a walking holiday with your own donkey! You’ll be able to enjoy the fabulous landscape and spend evenings on farms with the very welcoming mountain folk. Visit the Mercantour National Wildlife Park at the heart of the Alpes Maritime where you can experience soaring peaks and ridges rising to over 3000m accompanied by your sturdy-footed âne de Blore companion!

Wherever your travels take you this year and whichever unusual places you are lucky enough to visit, we at Flexicover are committed to providing you the highest level of protection to ensure that you are safe and secure, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year when away. Safe travels!